I had a friend who had a pair of Nubian goats. I know nothing about goats except for the stories she used to tell me. And really I only remember the ones that made me laugh so hysterically I had tears running down my face. Like all the things that occurred when trying to herd them back into their pen at night.
These goats, I don’t remember their names, were the best of buddies. Left alone, they stuck together like glue. But anytime they tried to get them back in the pen, they scattered in opposite directions. Upon realizing they were separated and alone, they panicked and ran back together, only to separate again. Each goat apparently thought it knew best, and expected the other to follow, but they submitted to no one, including each other. They even tried yoking them together with a rope, thinking if they were tied together they’d stop scattering and go the same way. Nope. They just stood in the driveway and jerked each other back and forth, frantically bleating for help.
Sometimes my marriage (or at least MY part of it) reminds me of those goats. I’m yoked to my husband. According to God’s word, he’s the head ox, or donkey. (Note: That doesn’t mean he’s better or more valuable to the Master, it means this isn’t a clown car, with a steering wheel for every passenger.)
Change is difficult. Changing course when you’re yoked together and pulling the weight of a family, a job, a ministry, and other responsibilities is even more difficult. The heavier the load you’re hauling, the harder it is to turn. When change comes we can get “out of step” with each other. How can you submit to his vision when, from your perspective, it means an uncertain future, separation from your comfort zone, or the laying aside of your personal dreams and plans?
Do you trust your husband? Do you believe he has your best interests (and those of your family) at heart when he makes decisions?
My husband has proven himself more than faithful and trustworthy these past 17 years. But sometimes fear and doubt creep in and threaten my trust. Maybe I think he hasn’t prayed something through, or I don’t understand why he wants to go the way he wants to go, or I just don’t like the course we’re on or the way he wants something done.
When that happens, the yoke becomes an irritant. I’ll find myself aggravated, perturbed, and annoyed for no reason. That’s when I know I need to spend some quality time with the Master, the owner of our marital yoke.
Matt 11:28-30 NIV says:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
HE can be trusted fully, no matter what. I can even trust Him to manage my husband, to change his heart, or mine, as the situation warrants.
Are you facing changes in your life? In your ministry? Is that yoke rubbing you the wrong way? I encourage you to spend some time with Jesus and renew your trust in His care and concern for your well-being. Let Him make adjustments in your heart first, and then trust Him to speak to your husband. He loves you both, and knows you better than either of you know yourselves or each other!
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